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Monroe County explores charging nonresident parking and launch fees at parks to boost maintenance funds
Summary
Staff proposed app-based nonresident parking and boat-ramp launch/parking fees at multiple parks (Harry Harris Park, Higgs Beach, Mike Forrester Memorial Park) and presented estimated revenue and enforcement options; commissioners signaled interest in nonresident fees while expressing reluctance to charge residents.
Monroe County staff presented a proposal Dec. 10 to expand park and boat-ramp fees for nonresidents across several county parks to help offset maintenance and improvement costs. The proposal would use a cloud-based parking app and suggested rates in line with nearby municipalities.
John (parks staff) said the recommended structure would replace the current weekend-only $15 fee at Harry Harris Park with an app-based $5 first-hour rate and $2 for each additional hour; Higgs Beach would be $5 per hour, boat-trailer parking would remain at $40–$60 depending on holiday rates, and boat ramp launches could be adjusted toward parity with neighboring jurisdictions. “Harry Harris instead of the $15 with the parking app, we're talking about doing $5 dollars an hour for the 1st hour and then $2 there after,” staff explained.
Staff provided conservative revenue estimates (combined sites potentially $200,000 annually under low-use assumptions) and described enforcement options, from off‑duty deputies to automated license-plate solutions. Commissioners generally supported nonresident fees and recommended a pilot and resident exemption or annual resident pass in line with nearby municipalities; staff will return with implementation details, revenue-sharing plans and a contract for any third-party parking service.
